Letting Go and Letting God
2 Corinthians 10:4
All of us in this room at some point or the other have dealt with issues in our lives. These issues have a direct impact on how we live on a daily basis. These issues have a name – “Strongholds”. Strongholds directly effect our relationship with God.
A stronghold is a faulty thinking pattern based on lies and deception. Satan thrives on three d’s: Distraction, Deception, and ultimately Destruction. Strongholds cause us to think in ways that block us from God’s best. Strongholds come in different shapes and sizes. Some may have a problem with bad language. Others may have a sin that creeps up from time to time. This morning, we’re going to seek God’s Will in “letting go” of these strongholds and “letting God” have supreme control of our lives.
TEXT
How can we tear down strongholds in our lives?
1. We must RENEW our minds
a. Romans 12:2 – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
• As our minds are renewed, we may discern what is good, acceptable, and perfect, and the will of God.
o Philippians 4:8 - Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
• When folks are caught up in Spiritual Warfare filled strongholds, their thinking is shame based and they do not realize that it is God’s will and it is good for them to get away from their past.
• We RENEW our minds through SPENDING TIME IN THE WORD OF GOD
o Ephesians 5:26-27 – That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
o Note Ephesians 6:10-18
I. Be Strong in the Lord and in His power
• In our power alone, we will never be able to hold up to Satan’s trickery and deceit. Only through the power of God can we defeat the deception.
II. Put on the whole armour of God
• Breastplate of righteousness
• Gospel of Peace
• Shield of Faith
• Helmet of Salvation
• Sword of the Spirit
• Prayer
III. Here’s Why:
• “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
• God’s Word can and will provide resources to help eliminate the strongholds from our lives.
o John 8:31-36
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
• Do you want to be free? Note this second point today:
2. We must REBUKE Satan’s Power in our lives, by CLAIMING the Blood of Jesus
• What has the blood of Jesus done for you and I?
o Note Ephesians 2
You and I were DEAD in our Trespasses and Sins
You and I were DOOMED to a Devil’s Hell
BUT – because of Jesus, we’ve been given the opportunity to be made alive in Christ!
o Romans 5:8 – While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us!
o Ephesians 2:14 – For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.
o Isaiah 53:5 – He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are head.
• Want to defeat a stronghold in your life? Claim Jesus!
o John 10:10-11 - 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
o John 15:13 – Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
o 1 John 4:9 – In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
3. We must REPENT daily and seek the face of God to avoid the wiles of the Devil.
a. Hebrews 12:1-2
i. 12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
1. Lay aside every thing that separates us from God
a. Allow God to take our strongholds – allow the blood of Christ to cleanse you from your sins – and be forgiven.
b. Allow God to give you freedom from the chains of sin that have bound you.
c. Allow God to show you His glory!
i. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
2. Seek to be more like Jesus – every day in every way
a. Ephesians 5:8 – For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
3. Don’t return to your old ways – allow God to continually change you through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
a. Prayer – not being afraid to cry out to God, to plea for help, to enable God’s power to you.
i. Psalm 143
1. Hear my prayer, O Lord
2. Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness
3. Deliver me
4. Teach me
5. Quicken me (Bring me up)
Let’s review – how can I let go and let God have full control of my life? How can I defeat the strongholds that have control of my heart and life?
1. RENEW our minds through the Word of God
2. REBUKE Satan and claim the blood of Jesus
3. REPENT daily and seek God’s face
Personal testimony/Closing – wrap up into invitation
